Calamity Jane

Review by Abi

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Calamity Jane tells the story of the fearless (yet incredibly tactless) ‘Calam’ determined to prove her worth to the folk of gold rush town, Deadwood. Full of catchy tunes and comical errors, this classic musical brings the Wild West to life with charm and humour.

One of the production’s greatest strengths is its actor-musician ensemble. High-energy, talented, and clearly having fun, their onstage musicianship adds to the experience, making the musical numbers feel rich and immersing the audience in their world. The use of instruments on stage is a real highlight and brings a lovely intimacy to the show.

The visual elements are also well executed. The staging and costumes capture the period beautifully, with well-considered details that evoke the old west without ever feeling overdone.

However, the accents prove to be a significant weak point. Many of the cast struggle to maintain a consistent Southern drawl, frequently slipping in and out of their natural voices. This inconsistency is distracting and at times, undermines the believability of the characters.

Carrie Hope Fletcher, in the title role, delivers a powerhouse vocal performance. Yet, her portrayal of Calamity often feels slightly forced and lacking in ease. There is little onstage chemistry between her and Vinny Coyle (Wild Bill Hickcock) which leaves her character feeling flat and somewhat disconnected.

Conversely, Samuel Holmes as Francis Fryer is a clear standout. His impeccable comic timing and engaging presence lights up every scene he appears in, providing laughs and a real connection with the audience.

Overall, Calamity Jane is a fun, enjoyable production with some lovely moments, particularly thanks to the ensemble’s musicianship. However, aside from this clever choice, it doesn’t offer anything particularly remarkable or memorable to draw crowds back into the Wild West.